Tour Summary

Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquillity of India's southern backwaters. From old colonial Fort Cochin to the spice plantation of Periyar, to backwater cruises, Kerala is a tropical paradise and a wonderful destination.

Travelling with us you can really get to know the people and culture of this fascinating part of the world. Sample fabulous food, freshly prepared especially for you by your friendly hosts and have lessons in South Indian cooking from the experts.

Watch a remarkable, colourful kathakali performance or try an ayurvedic massage – two of Kerala’s specialities.

Our Kerala itinerary incorporates all your interests to create a perfect excursion, whether you are a single traveller, a couple, a family or small group of friends. With our expert local knowledge acquired over many years, you can share the passion in our journey.

Entrance fees to all sights, monuments, shows and activities as per the itinerary

Kathakali Dance performance at Cochin

Spice Plantation Tour in Periyar

Boat Ride at Periyar Lake

Cooking demonstration in Periyar

Day Cruise at Kumarakom

Cooking demonstration at Kumarakom

Lunch at Philip Kutty’s Farm and Cooking Demonstration followed by lunch

An exclusive information travel package

A personal Travel Towel

Bottled water during overland transportation and soft drinks at meals

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Saturday:Arrive Cochin: (B)

Day 2: Sunday: Cochin: (B)

Day 3: Monday:Cochin – Periyar: (B)

Day 4: Tuesday:Periyar – Kumarakom: (B/)

Day 5: Wednesday: Kumarakom: (B/L/D)

Day 6: Thursday: Kumarakom – Depart Cochin: (B)

Country Information

Accommodation:

All our hotels are excellent 5 and 4/3 star boutique hotels. We highly recommend our hotels as they have excellent services and facilities. All rooms have modern facilities, private bathrooms with double or two twin beds.

Climate & Clothing:

The climate in India is warm to hot all year around. The rainy season is June till October. The general rule is to bring comfortable clothing including lightweight cottons. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as is a light waterproof jacket. We provide a detailed packing list to all our guests prior to departure.

Currency & Money Matters:

The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small denominations. Major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATM’s are not generally available.

Electricity:

The electrical current in India is 250 volts AC. 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used in India, but most plugs have two or three round pins.

Insurance:

You must obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance as a condition of travelling with Boutique Tours & Travel. We recommend that you purchase insurance at the time of Booking.

Language:

Hindi is the official language. French is also spoken but English is fast becoming the language of the younger generation.

Meals:

Our hotel offers a wonderful selection of dishes at their buffet breakfasts with a wide variety of both menu and venue for lunches and evening meals.

Medical Services & Facilities:

Our hotels have access to a doctor if required. They can also assist guests with purchasing of medicine. The international hospitals in India are very good and have western trained medical and surgical specialists. Dental care is also available.

Passports & Visas:

To enter India you require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and with at least two blank pages. A visa is required for most guests and will be organised prior to departure.

Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:

Boutique Tours & Travel suggests that you may like to arrive a day before the start of your tour to allow time to relax and refresh. You are also very welcome to linger longer after the tour is completed. Boutique Tours & Travel has negotiated special overnight rates at many hotels for both pre and post tour accommodation. Please request when booking.

Time Zone:

Despite the size of the country, the standard time throughout India is GMT +5.30.

Tipping:

A tip from you to the guides and drivers is required.

Tour Group:

Our small group tours provide you with a good balance of group activity and personal discovery.

Transport:

Most of our road journeys between major cities are longer than 3 hours so we include modern Luxury sedan cars and minibuses for this tour. They are spacious and comfortable so we can all enjoy the journey.

Water & Beverages:

Our hotels offer bottled water in your room, and soft drinks and bottled water are provided when travelling in our transport. Most teas are available with most meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of this tour.

UNESCO

Non applicable

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Saturday: Arrive Cochin:

Arrival at Cochin airport with private transfer to your Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.Kochi it is an emerging cosmopolitan city with bustling life in the streets, the cinema halls, the shopping malls, and the skyscrapers; the commercial capital of the state, with a style statement different from the rest of the State. Kochi is a place with deep roots in history and its streets exude an old-world charm; a place with beautiful monuments and a variety of linguistic and ethnic communities including Jews, Konkinis, Gujaratis and so on.

Cochin is actually a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Cochin a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders. The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and the British have all left their mark here. The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese fishing nets, and other remnants of European and Asian architecture merge smoothly into the traditional fabric of the vibrant seaport cityKochi offers a cocktail of modernity, old-world charm and a global outlook that, at the same time, facilitates continuity and change.

Day 2: Sunday: Cochin: (B)

(Optional) An early morning visit to view the 'Chinese fishing nets' and the market. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later depart on a city tour visiting The Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi, and the Jewish Synagogue.Fort Kochi has a quaint ambience and the colonial buildings, telling the tales of centuries-old cultural and commercial interaction with the colonial powers of the West, makes a big impression. The history of Fort Kochi is fascinating with various European powers - the Portuguese in 1500, the Dutch in 1663 and the British in the 18th century – invading, controlling, looting and at the same time enriching the place.
(Optional) Later, particiate in a cooking course. (Optional) This evening enjoy colourfull Kathakali Dance.

Day 3: Monday: Cochin – Periyar: (B)

After Breakfast we drive to Periyar. On arrival, we will check in at the hotel.Later this afternoon, participate in a Spice Plantation tour.

Day 4: Tuesday: Periyar - Kumarakom: (B)

This morning we visit Periyar National Park for a wonderful boat ride at the lake.
Later we drive to Kumarakom. and check into the hotel.

Day 5: Wednesday: Kumarakom: (B/L/D)

Following a relaxing breakfast we board a houseboat and spend the day exploring the waterways.

Day 6: Thursday: Kumarakom – Depart Cochin: (B)

Drive to Cochin international airport to board flight for onward destination.